Snow covered the park. The unkindness’s croaks and gurgles echoed from the treetops. One of the ravens glided to the wolfpack in the clearing below the tree line. The bird flew to a pup that was playing with a stick. As it landed, it croaked a warning to the cub. The cub looked up, making it easier for the raven to grab the end of the stick with his beak. The raven and cub played tug-of-war for several minutes.
Wolves and Ravens play together
While the adults in the pack rested, the pups played among themselves. Several ravens were among the pack, teasing the adults and pups. After a while, the wolves gathered together to take a nap. The ravens took to the skies to begin their patrol.
Wolf Packs have help on the wing
The elk were hungry. The herd was heading to the lower elevation, looking for food. They were on high alert. The forest was full of predators. One elk could save a mountain lion or bear from starvation. There were more predators to look out for, but only one had eyes in the skies.
The ravens had the route memorized. They knew where the elk would be, but not when. They started their patrol, and croaks and rattles formed deep in their chest and filled the sky. The unkindness turned and headed toward the wolves napping in the clearing.
The wolves were enjoying themselves, and some were napping. They were getting hungry. The sleeping wolves started to rouse themselves, stretching and yawning. They all looked toward the sky when they saw the ravens. “ crok crok.” The ravens called as they turned midair, encouraging the pack to follow.
The pack runs according to hierarchy
The breeding pair was in the lead. They woofed and whined to keep the pack tight.50 yards ahead, the scouts had the flanks. They were looking for elk. If they found any, they would harass them to find the weakest.
The chasers ran in the middle of the pack. When the pack found the herd, the chasers would run down the chosen elk. They were a tag-team. If a wolf tired, another wolf took its place as the tired wolf peeled off.
An older wolf made up the rear guard. She kept the younger wolves in line and maintained discipline. The pack was a well-oiled machine. They followed the squawking ravens, stomachs growling.
The unkindness urged the pack on; they were hungry, too
The ravens kept calling. The breeding pair heard the racket and led the pack toward the noise. The ravens swooped and dive-bombed the elk. They did everything they could to distract the elk and slow them down. The strategy worked.
An older cow was the first to tire. The wolfpack leapt and nipped at her haunches and legs. Soon, the ravenous wolves dragged the elk to the ground. The feast began. The unkindness of ravens gathered to wait. Filling the limbs of trees surrounding the clearing.
The sated wolves left the ruins of the elk. The wolves retreated to the tree line to nap and digest their meal. The conspiracy descended on the remains of the elk.
Ravens and wolves have been partners for a long time
The skin of elk is too thick for ravens to penetrate. They depend on wolves to rend and tear the flesh of the elk to get to the organs and intestines. Scientists call a flock of Ravens an unkindness, or conspiracy. The unkindness of Ravens and a pack of wolves have a relationship. A relationship that has lasted centuries.
Ravens seek out wolves. They interact with wolves not only for food, but for fun and companionship. This type of relationship is rare in the wild. Ravens seek out wolves, and wolves enjoy the company of Ravens. They play and socialize together.
Final Thought:
Wolves and ravens, on their own, are fascinating to learn about. It’s cool that two species can work together for centuries for mutual benefit. I know many species have done this. I will explore the subject in later stories.
Lawson Wallace is a writer and YouTuber. He specializes in Resumes, cover letters, blog posts, and emails. lawsonwallacewrites@outlook.com
Wolves And Ravens Have a Special Bond: They Hunt Together and May Even Become Friends
Do ravens befriend wolves? — The Institute for Environmental Research and Education
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